This Network Update was distributed via the Exchange Network email alerts list on April 24, 2006.

The Network Operations Board (NOB) has issued an interim update to the Exchange Network XML Schema Design Rules and Conventions. Developed with input from the Network Technolgy Group (NTG), the updated document provides guidance and defines standards for designing XML Schema for the Exchange Network. This interim update was issued in order to bring the DRCs in line with other recently updated Exchange Network guidance documents. The need for a major DRC update (v2.0) will be assessed following the release of the final Core.gov XML schema design rules.

Additionally, the NOB has released a Flow Documentation Checklist prepared by the members of the NTG. This checklist describes the required and optional documentation that development groups should submit to the Exchange Network governance when creating or updating the components of a data exchange. In addition, this checklist provides links to current Exchange Network guidance documents that will help development groups prepare the documentation described. In the near future, watch for guidance that will further clarify the process for reviewing and submitting data exchange components to the Exchnage Network governance.

Both of these documents are available in the Schema Development section of the Exchange Network website at http://www.exchangenetwork.net/dev_schema.